Isolated ocular sarcoidosis: the role of microRNAs in diagnostics

Relevance Ocular sarcoidosis is a chronic idiopathic multisystem disease of unknown etiology with damage to the reticuloendothelial system and the formation of epithelioid cell granulomas without caseous changes and perifocal inflammation. Isolated lesions are rare and require the search for new diagnostic approaches [1–4]. MicroRNAs are promising biomarkers of the disease. Objective To evaluate the diagnostic potential of microRNAs in isolated ocular sarcoidosis using a clinical case as an example. Material and methods A clinical case of a patient with isolated ocular sarcoidosis is presented. Standard ophthalmological examinations and RT-PCR were performed to determine the expression of microRNAs. Results Increased expression of hsa-miR-455-3p, hsa-miR-4663, hsa-miR-6806-3p, hsa-miR-450b-5p, hsa-miR-6716-3p, hsa-miR-5000-5p, hsa-miR150-5p was revealed. Signs of lacrimal gland involvement were found, confirmed by sonography and hsa-miR150-5p expression. Conclusion MicroRNAs may be potential diagnostic biomarkers of isolated ocular sarcoidosis, including lacrimal gland involvement. Key words: sarcoid granuloma; lacrimal gland; microRNA; RT-PCR; diagnostics